“SHOT SMARTS” is a half-day workshop designed for health care professionals and school and childcare personnel to provide them with the latest immunization information and resources.

The morning keynote address will be presented by Ari Brown. M.D., FAAP. Dr. Brown is a pediatrician, book author, child health advocate, and a mom. Dr. Brown is a medical advisor for Parents Magazine and ABC News, and a spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatrics. She has appeared on numerous national news and talk shows including NBC’s Today Show, CNN, and Rachael Ray. Dr. Brown’s keynote is titled “Talking to Parents about Vaccine Concerns.”

The luncheon keynote address will be presented by Michael Smith, M.D., M.S.C.E. Dr. Smith is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Louisville School of Medicine Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, and Attending Physician at Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville, KY. Dr. Smith’s keynote address is titled “Vaccine Safety: From Myth to Science.”

Media interviews can be scheduled to take place with Dr. Smith and Dr. Brown from 10:30 to 10:45 on the day of each workshop.

WHERE & WHEN:

“SHOTS SMARTS” workshops are being held next week at:

Idaho Falls Tuesday, April 26, 2011 Shilo Inn

Boise Wednesday, April 27, 2011 BSU SUB

Coeur d’Alene Friday, April 29, 2011 Coeur d’Alene Inn

WHY:

Immunizations protect children from life-threatening diseases that can cause permanent health problems, such as brain and heart damage, blindness and even death. Most of the diseases we vaccinate against are very rare in this country due to the success of immunizations. Boosting Idaho’s immunization rate is a top priority of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

CONTACT:

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Immunization Education Coordinator Andy Noble at (208) 891-8460.